Fundraising Letters That Get Results

With sample fundraising letters And templates

Writing effective communications to companies is often an important part of a non-profit
organisation's money raising strategy. This might involve anything
from a simple request to a company for a raffle prize, to asking someone
to sponsor an entire charity programme, sports team or event.

In all cases a carefully targeted, well written letter is vital.
Writing good fundraising copy can be a daunting task for some people.
But it needn't be complicated.

The most important thing to remember is -

Have a clear idea what it is you are asking for......and ask for it!

If you are not sure exactly what it is you are after how is the
recipient to know? If your request is hidden beneath paragraphs of
waffle how will it be found?

If you are writing on a computer you
may even like to type "the ask" into your letter first- halfway down the
page. Nice and clear and simple.

Then you can put the rest of your brilliant fundraising letter together around it.

So
do you know what it is you are going to ask for?.......... Great now
here are a few simple rules that will make life easier for both the
writer and the recipient.

Target the right person at the right company

Here is where you need to do a little research.

Find out who it is you need to address your letter to?

Who deals with these requests?

To find out you can ring the company or visit their website.

If you know someone who works there see if they can find out for you.

There are good reasons for doing this:

You look more professional and business-like - a good home for that company's donation.

A personal dialogue with a named individual is more likely to receive a favourable response.

Unless
properly targeted your letter may spend ages "doing the rounds of
various departments (and it will not be anyone's top priority) until it
eventually stumbles its way on to the right desk 3 weeks later!

If
you do find out all the correct information don't forget to record it
in a contacts folder. It may be wanted again in the future.

Give your fundraising letter a headline

Use a headline at the top of the page to instantly explain what it is about.

This
is particularly important when writing to larger organisations who may
be dealing with a considerable number of requests from different
people.......................you didn't think you were the only group writing to that chocolate company asking for a raffle prize did you?!

A good headline should come above the main body of your letter in a slightly bigger bold font. Keep it short and simple.

Examples - Request For A Raffle Prize or Request For Sponsorship

Tell them a bit about your organisation.....but don't go overboard

Of course you need to tell them a bit about your group but keep it quite general.

Choose
your words carefully -your cause may be the most important thing on the
planet....to you....but not to everyone. Use a couple of good
descriptive sentences but be wary of "over-egging the pudding".